University of Ibadan Students Protest Tuition Hike, Block Roads

Students of the University of Ibadan (UI) in Oyo State took to the streets on Friday to protest the recent increase in tuition fees by the university’s management. The peaceful protest saw students blocking major roads leading to the campus, causing disruptions and forcing many people to walk long distances to reach their destinations.

Carrying placards with messages such as “We Say No to Tuition Hikes,” “The Management Is Insensitive to Our Plights,” and “Our Parents Cannot Afford the New Hikes,” the students expressed their dissatisfaction with the fee increase. They pointed out that the hike comes at a time when the country is facing severe economic challenges, making it difficult for many families to afford the new fees.

The governing council of the university had approved the fee increase on Thursday, a decision that has been met with strong opposition from the student body. The students have vowed to halt all academic activities until the university management reverses its decision.

A student from the Department of Human Nutrition, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of victimization, shared her concerns about the fee hike. “During the 2022/2023 session, we paid N58,000, and now for the 2023/2024 session, we were asked to pay N138,35,” she lamented, highlighting the significant jump in fees.

Another student from the Department of Animal Science also expressed frustration with the increase. “In the Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, we paid N70,000 for the 2022/2023 session, and now for the 2023/2024 session, it has been increased to N150,000,” he said. “Most of us have not seen the money. We are yet to pay. The students are protesting now. We cannot attend lectures.”

The protest has drawn attention to the broader issue of affordability in higher education, particularly at a time when many families are struggling to make ends meet. The students have made it clear that they will continue to resist the fee increase until their demands are met, raising questions about the potential impact on the upcoming academic session.

As of now, there has been no official response from the university management regarding the students’ demands. The situation remains tense, with the possibility of further protests if the fee hike is not rescinded.